1998 Ford Ranger Battery Problem?

S

Slick

New member
Hello, I have noticed a battery problem the last couple of days. Let me start off by saying the battery gauge drop very close to the "Low" level on the gauge when I am accelerating and then when I let of the gas it jumps back up to the normal level. Now, two days later, I noticed that it is sitting almost at the "Low" level no matter when I am accelerating or coasting, I never did get it up to 55 or so (was coming down the back roads and that is when I noticed it) so what do you think could be wrong? Could it be a bad alternator, belt, bad connection? Also when I hit a puddle or water and it has enough force to splash up to the belt once it dries out a little it starts to squeak and slip, but then when I get it wet again it stops and then once it dries out again it starts again until it is COMPLETELY dry, then it will function correctly. Also could tightening the belt tensioner help at all?

Thanks, and please no stupid answers!

Nick~
 
Battery's need maintenance, clean the post and cables with a post cleaner every 3 or 4 months..they loose connection and won't charge..
 
You can check your battery and alternator yourself. Get a volt meter and measure the voltage on the battery.
engine off ~12 volts battery is good. less than 12 battery is not charged.
Start engine- ~14.5 volts good alternator. Charging system is operational. Anything less can signal a bad alternator/voltage regulator.
 
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